Bangladesh crumble in warm-up game against Pakistan Shaheens, raising concerns ahead of Champions Trophy

Bangladesh's preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy got off to a worrying start as they slumped to a crushing seven-wicket loss against Pakistan Shaheens in Dubai.

Despite being a full-strength national side, Najmul Hossain Shanto's men were completely outplayed by Pakistan's second-string outfit, exposing serious concerns ahead of their tournament opener.

Having arrived in Dubai on February 14 to fine-tune their ODI skills after a long T20 season in the BPL, Bangladesh needed a strong showing in this warm-up match. Instead, their batting lineup collapsed for just 202 runs in 38.2 overs, with no batsman reaching a half-century. Mehidy Hasan Miraz top-scored with a modest 44, while Soumya Sarkar's 35 was the only other notable contribution. Pakistan Shaheens chased down the target with ease, reaching 203/3 in 34.5 overs, courtesy of Mohammad Haris' 76 and Mubasir Khan's unbeaten 63.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh's top order crumbled under pressure. Opener Tanzid Hasan managed only 6 runs before departing, while captain Shanto's 21-ball stay ended at just 12 runs. Soumya played the only fluent innings of the top order, scoring 35 off 38 balls, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.

Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed for just 7, while Towhid Hridoy struggled for fluency, making 20 off 33 balls. Jaker Ali (4), Rishad Hossain (14), and Nasum Ahmed (15) failed to contribute significantly, leaving Bangladesh in deep trouble. The only late resistance came from Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who scored 30 off 27 balls, including the team's only six of the innings.

Pakistan Shaheens' bowlers dominated proceedings, with leg-spinner Usama Mir leading the charge. He picked up 4/43 in 10 overs, dismantling Bangladesh's middle order. Mubasir Khan (2/22) and Ali Raza (1/30) also chipped in as Bangladesh folded for a below-par total.

With just 202 to defend, Bangladesh needed early breakthroughs, but their bowling unit failed to apply any real pressure. Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan (23) gave Pakistan a strong start before the latter fell to Tanzim Sakib. Haris, however, continued to dominate, smashing 76 before retiring hurt. Mubasir Khan carried on the charge with an unbeaten 63, guiding the Shaheens to victory in under 35 overs.

Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman went wicketless, with Taskin conceding 27 runs in five overs, while Mustafizur gave away 20 runs in his spell. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, despite taking a wicket, was expensive, leaking 39 runs in six overs. The only bowler to keep things relatively tight was Tanzim Sakib, who took 1/15 in four overs.

With India, New Zealand, and Pakistan in their group, Bangladesh face an uphill battle in the Champions Trophy, and this performance has done little to inspire confidence. Before departing, captain Shanto had stated that the team's goal was to win the tournament, but on current evidence, just making it past the group stage looks like a daunting challenge.

This heavy defeat raises serious questions about the team's preparedness for high-pressure ODI cricket after months of playing T20s. Bangladesh's batting lacks solidity, their bowling lacks penetration, and with just days left before their first game, they have little time to address these glaring issues.